Business, international

The dating game: iron and steel

Article Abstract:

The extensive volume use of cast iron, wrought iron and mild steel in buildings in the UK was sparked off by the Industrial Revolution. Widespread volume use of cast iron started in the 1790s. Cast iron was inexpensive and strong, and was therefore popular for columns. Wrought iron became popular in the early 19th century. It was particularly suitable for trusses, beams and tie-bars. The use of mild steel began in the 1880s. Stainless steel was first developed in 1913, and its structural use began in the 1970s. Links between cast-iron members were first made like timber joints or bolted, while bolts or rivets were used to join wrought iron. Until the 1950s, mild steel was bolted or riveted.

The dating game

Article Abstract:

Issues concerning dating buildings are discussed. Attention is given to masonry and timber, which are among the main structural materials. Stone masonry gives little information about a building's age, but brickwork contains much evidence of its age.